Although Jonah was a prophet, the book named after him is not a prophecy, but a biographical narrative involving his prophetic mission to the Ninevites. Author Peter Williams began writing this book with less than a high opinion of Jonah, but his view changed as the writing process continued. Starting from the basis that this was an historical—not fictional— account, the author discovered Jonah to be an honest person, prepared to put down in writing his own faults and prejudices so that we might learn from them. The real importance of this little biblical book is its place in God’s plan to embrace both Jew and Gentile in his saving purpose, culminating in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.